NCRR HIGH END INSTRUMENTATION PROGRAM
RELEASE DATE: May 29, 2003
RFA: RR-03-009 (This RFA has been reissued, see PAR-05-124)
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)
(http://www.ncrr.nih.gov)
CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 93.389
LETTER OF INTENT RECEIPT DATE: August 15, 2003
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE: September 19, 2003
THIS RFA CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
o Purpose of this RFA
o Research Objectives
o Mechanism(s) of Support
o Funds Available
o Eligible Institutions
o Individuals Eligible to Become Principal Investigators
o Where to Send Inquiries
o Letter of Intent
o Submitting an Application
o Peer Review Process
o Review Criteria
o Receipt and Review Schedule
o Award Criteria
o Required Federal Citations
PURPOSE
In recognition of the need for and advantages of continuing investment in
new instrumentation for the advancement of biomedical research, the
National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) is reissuing the High End
Instrumentation (HEI) Program for the support of research
instrumentation. Awards will be made for up to a maximum of $2.0 million
in direct costs for a single major item of equipment. Instruments in
this category include, but are not limited to, structural and functional
imaging systems, macromolecular NMR spectrometers, high-resolution mass
spectrometers, electron microscopes, and supercomputers.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
With advances in technological development, biomedical scientists require
ever more powerful tools for their research. As new instruments with
enhanced performance become available, their importance for research
increases along with the costs. Although the Shared Instrumentation
Grant Program (SIG) provides a cost-effective mechanism for groups of NIH
supported investigators to obtain commercially available equipment
costing between $100,000 and $500,000, there is a continuing need for an
NIH program that provides expensive, high-end instruments to the broad
community of basic and clinical scientists. To meet the demands of the
community, the NCRR initiated this HEI program in FY 2002 to support
expensive, high-end instruments.
Examples of key instruments in this category include but are not limited
to:
Biomedical Imagers: The boundaries of imaging technology have been
extended to acquire functional, biochemical and physiological information
in intact biological systems including humans. This has led to an
increased demand for multinuclear spectroscopy and functional magnetic
resonance and PET imaging instruments.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometers: There is a significant demand
for increased sensitivity and resolution of high-field NMR spectrometers
to determine three-dimensional structures of large proteins and protein
complexes in extremely small samples. This need is magnified by the
extended run time for data collection at lower fields, which limits
access to these instruments.
Mass Spectrometers: Instruments that combine electrospray ionization
with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry
are now available. The FTICR methods provide very high resolution and
accurate molecular weight measurement to study large biopolymers and
their interactions.
Electron Microscopes: The frontier of cell biology now focuses on
elucidating the nature and function of cell organelles and the role of
complex protein machines. Such studies require intermediate voltage
electron microscopes with field emission illumination for high resolution
imaging of single molecules. Such microscopes are also needed to perform
computer reconstruction at the subnanometer scale for macromolecular
assemblies that are too large and complex to study by x-ray
crystallography and NMR spectroscopy.
Supercomputers: Computational biologists require computers or clusters
of computers with high-performance visualization hardware, parallel
architectures, and large data storage and transfer capabilities at
increased speed. Applications for general use computer networks will not
be accepted. Application for synchrotron equipment, with the exception
of detectors, will not be accepted.
The application should also show a clear need for the instrumentation by
projects supported by multiple NIH peer review research grants
(including, but not limited to those listed above) and demonstrate that
these projects will require at least 75 percent of the total usage of the
instrument. Users can be individual researchers, or a group of
investigators within the same department or from several departments at
the applicant institution. NIH extramural awardees from other
institutions may also be included.
It is expected that most of the equipment requested in the HEI Program
will be of a specialized nature and will require a high level of
technical expertise to operate the instrument and conduct experiments.
Therefore, for the requested instrument to be used effectively and to
avoid abuse of instrumentation, which frequently occurs in an open access
environment, the bulk of the research time may have to be reserved for a
few investigators. Alternatively, some type of instruments might be
accessed by the research community through collaborations with
appropriate investigators. Other types of instruments requested may not
be as dedicated and will serve a broadly diversified biomedical
community. In any case, priority for instrument use should be given to
NIH-supported scientists engaged in biomedical/behavioral research.
The Principal Investigator must be able to assume administrative and
scientific oversight responsibility for the instrument requested.
An internal advisory committee must be named to assist the Principal
Investigator in administering the grant and overseeing the responsibility
for the instrument. The membership of this committee should be broadly
based and include members without a conflict of interest who can resolve
disputes if they arise. The Principal Investigator and the advisory
committee are responsible for the development of guidelines for:
o Maximum utilization of the instrument, including time allocation.
o A detailed plan for the day-to-day management of the instrument.
o A financial plan for the long-term operation and maintenance of the
instrument during the post award period.
During the post award period, the Principal Investigator will also be
responsible for obtaining appropriate no-cost extensions of the project
if needed. Ninety days following the end of the project period, a final
progress report is required that describes the instrument purchased, and
a list of all users and a description of the value of the instrument to
the investigators and to the institution as a whole.
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
This RFA will use the National Institutes of Health (NIH) S10 mechanism.
The program will assist in the acquisition of major research equipment
that is too costly for support through the (SIG) program. Awards will be
made for the direct cost of the instrument only. No indirect costs are
provided. Matching funds are not required; however, commitment of an
appropriate level of institutional support to insure the associated
infrastructure is expected (building alterations, or renovations, post-
award service contracts and technical personnel). Support for operation
and maintenance and trained personnel may also be obtained from the
research project grants of the users or supplements to them. The
anticipated award date is July 1, 2004.
The program will provide 12-month, nonrenewable awards up to a maximum of
$2.0 million. Only one major item of equipment can be requested per
application. Supplemental applications will not be accepted. Although
the focus of the HEI Program is on a new generation of instruments that
cost over $1.0 Million, the floor for the program has been set at
$750,000. Applications for routine instruments such as mid-field NMR
spectrometers, multi-photon microscopes and other applications for
requests totaling over $750,000 which are the result of an overestimation
of price and/or an excessive number of accessories, will be returned as
not being responsive. Identical or very similar applications may not be
submitted to the SIG Program and the HEI Program. However, a revised
application based on a previously reviewed SIG submission may be
submitted to the HEI program. In order to submit a revised application,
the investigator must have received the summary statement from the
previous review and must address the criticisms raised, in the
Introduction. An institution may submit more than one application, but
the instruments requested should be substantially different. It is
anticipated that only a few grants will be awarded in a given
technological area. Generally, if the funds requested do not cover the
total cost of the instrument, documentation of the availability of the
remainder of the funding, signed by an appropriate institutional
official, must be submitted to NCRR prior to issuance of an award.
FUNDS AVAILABLE
The NCRR intends to commit approximately $22M in FY 2004 to fund
approximately 11 to 16 new grants in response to this RFA. Because the
nature and scope of the research proposed may vary, it is anticipated
that the size of each award will also vary. Although the financial plans
of the NCRR provide support for this program, awards pursuant to this RFA
are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of
sufficient number of meritorious applications.
ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS
You may submit an application if your institution has any of the
following characteristics:
o Non-profit organization
o Public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, and
hospitals.
o Domestic
Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply.
Under the general research support authority of Section 301(a)(3) of the
Public Health Service Act, High End Instrumentation Grant awards are made
to public and non-profit domestic institutions only. These institutions
include health professional schools, other academic institutions,
hospitals, health departments, and research organizations. Note that
Federal institutions, foreign institutions, and for-profit institutions
are not eligible to apply. A Federal Institution is defined by the NIH
as a Cabinet-level department or independent agency of the executive
branch of the Federal Government or any component organization of such a
department or agency.
To be eligible to apply, three or more NIH funded investigators
(Principal Investigators of active P01, R01, U01, R35 or R37 research
grants) who will be users of the requested instrument must be identified.
Since this program interfaces with other programs, it is strongly urged
that applicants contact the staff person in the Division of Biomedical
Technology of NCRR before submitting a proposal.
INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO BECOME PRICIPAL INVESTIGATORS
Any individual with skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry
out the proposed research is invited to work with their institution to
develop an application for support. Individuals from underrepresented
racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are
always encourage to apply for NIH programs.
Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that the
Principal Investigator be a scientist with expertise in the unique
technical area. It is not required that the Principal Investigator be an
NIH awardee.
WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES
We encourage inquiries concerning this RFA and welcome the opportunity to
answer questions from potential applicants. Inquiries may fall into
three areas: scientific/research, and financial or grants management
issues:
o Direct your questions about programmatic or scientific issues to:
Marjorie A. Tingle, Ph.D
High End Instrumentation Grant Program
National Center for Research Resources
1 Democracy Building, Room 958
6701 Democracy Boulevard, MSC 4874
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874
Telephone: (301) 435-0772
FAX: (301) 480-3659
Email: HEI@mail.nih.gov
o Direct your questions about financial or grants management matters to:
Ms. Jenelle D. Wiggins
Office of Grants Management
1 Democracy Building, Room 1038
National Center for Research Resources
6701 Democracy Boulevard, MSC 4874
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874
Telephone: (301) 435-0843
Fax: (301) 480-3777
Email: Jwiggins@mail.nih.gov
LETTER OF INTENT
Prospective applicants are asked to submit a letter of intent that
includes the following information:
o Descriptive title of the proposed research
o Name, address, and telephone number of the Principal Investigator
o Names of other key personnel
o Participating institutions
o Number and title of this RFA
Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding, and does not
enter into the review of a subsequent application, the information that
it contains allows IC staff to estimate the potential review workload and
plan the review.
The letter of intent is to be sent by the date listed at the beginning of
this document. The letter of intent should be sent to:
Marjorie A. Tingle, Ph.D
Program Director
High End Instrumentation Grant Program
National Center for Research Resources
1 Democracy Building, Room 958
6701 Democracy Boulevard, MSC 4874
Bethesda, MD 20892-4874
Telephone: (301) 435-0772
Fax: (301) 480-3659
Email: HEI@mail.nih.gov
SUBMITTING AND APPLICATION
Applications must be prepared using the PHS 398 research grant
application instructions and forms (rev. 5/2001). The PHS 398 is
available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html in
an interactive format. For further assistance contact Grants Info,
Telephone (301) 435-0714. Email: GrantsInfo@nih.gov
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Follow the PHS 398 instructions with the following special instructions
below. Do not use the format for Modular or Just-in-Time applications.
Other Support pages are required (see below). This requirement
supercedes the instructions for the Other Support pages in the PHS398.
1. Form Page 1 (Face Page)
Item 1. Name the type of instrument requested.
Item 2. Check the box marked "YES" and enter the number and title of
this RFA.
Item 4. Not applicable
Item 5. Not applicable
Item 6. The dates should be 07/01/04 through 06/30/05
Item 7A and 7B, 8A and 8B. Use these blocks to give the total amount
requested from NCRR for this instrument or system. The direct costs and
total costs for the budget period and project period must be the same.
2. Form Page 2. Complete the abstract as directed. Under "Key
Personnel," give the data on the Principal Investigator and other
participating investigators.
Form page 4. Describe the instrument requested including manufacturer
and model number. Use a continuation page(s) as necessary. The model
chosen should be justified by comparing its performance with other
available instruments where appropriate. Specific features and any
accessories should be justified, both in this section and in the
description of research projects. Provide a detailed budget breakdown of
the main equipment and accessories requested including tax and import
duties, if applicable. An itemized quote form a vendor should be
included. If a project involves a potential biohazard, funds for
accessory containment equipment for the instrument or instrument system
may be included in the requested budget.
Form page 5. Budget Estimates for All Years. Not applicable; do not
complete.
Modular Budget Format Page. Not applicable
Biographical Sketch Format Page. In addition to the personnel listed on
page 2, include a biographical sketch of the person(s) who will be in
charge of maintenance and operation of the instrument and a brief
statement of the qualifications of the individual(s).
Resources Format Page. Not applicable
Checklist Form Page. Check all that apply
Personal Data Form Page. Complete
Other Support Format Page. Provide the requested information for each
participating investigator.
Personnel Report Format Page. Not applicable
Targeted/Planned Enrollment Format Page. Not applicable
Enrollment Format Page. Not applicable
Research Plan section of the application. (If this is a revised
application, note the special instructions on page 15 in the PHS 398
instructions regarding completion of this section of the application).
Do not include what would normally be in Items a-d of the Research Plan
but provide information relative to the points identified under criteria
for review including:
Instrument Requested
Describe the instrument requested and the significance of the technology
to biomedical research. For a new generation instrument present the
design concept, rationale and development methods in sufficient detail to
allow evaluation of its technical feasibility. Inventory current and
related instrumentation at the applicant institution or nearby
institutions and describe why they are unavailable or inappropriate for
the proposed research. Provide a clear justification why a new
instrumentation, including accessories is needed. Include specific
documentation on the current usage and downtime of existing instruments
and a realistic estimate of the projected usage of the requested
instrument.
Research Projects
Give a brief description of the users' focusing on the benefit of the
instrument to the research objectives of each user. Sufficient technical
detail (results of preliminary data and/or supplemental information)
should be included to evaluate whether the instrument requested is
appropriate, would be effectively employed, and would provide advantages
over other methods. The need for special features and accessories must
be justified. If possible, each user should highlight those publications
that demonstrate the users' expertise in using the requested
instrumentation. If the number of projects is large and broadly
diversified, select out a smaller representative group. Use a table to
list the names of the users, brief titles of the projects, the NIH grant
numbers and the estimated percentage of use. Make a separate table to
indicate the user's needs for the requested accessories. List the page
number of each table under "Table of Contents" (Form page 3) after
resources.
Technical Expertise
Describe the technical expertise available at the applicant institution
to set up, run and maintain the instrument. Specify how and by whom the
instrumentation will be operated and maintained. Are there any
collaborations between disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientists for
developing the technical aspects of the instrumentation? Outline the
roles of the technical staff in training new users and in facilitating
the adoption of these state-of-the-art techniques in the users' research
programs.
Institutional Commitment
Explain how the requested instrumentation will contribute to the
institution's biomedical research goals. Describe the institutional
infrastructure (space, environment and utilities) available to support
the instrumentation. Indicate if the institution has any history of
making technology available and for keeping instruments in top operating
condition.
Administration of the Instrument
Describe the organizational plan for administering the grant. Include
how the instrument will be utilized, how request are made, how time will
be allocated to competing research projects and how schedules are posted.
How will the results obtained be disseminated broadly to enhance
scientific understanding? What are the plans for attracting new users?
Include the names and titles of members of local and/or external advisory
committees to oversee its use. Describe the role and responsibility of
the advisory committee(s) in developing policies and procedures to assure
equitable use of the instrument time and their meeting schedules.
Financial Administration
Provide a financial plan for long-term operation of the instrument.
Specify how and by whom the requested instrumentation will be operated
and maintained. Pertinent data on user charges, salaries of technical
support personnel, maintenance contracts, instrument upgrades, shop
charges and other expenses, should be included. Specify the plans for
fully funding the instrument. Specify the sources and amounts of cost
sharing funds (private, state or institutional funds) and a projection of
when they will be available. Give a time frame or prospects for delivery
of the instrument. Provide documentation (separate letters signed by
appropriate institutional officials) specifically describing the
institutional commitment (in dollars) in support of the instrument.
USING THE RFA LABEL: The RFA label available in the PHS 398 (rev 5/2001)
application form must be affixed to the bottom of the face page of the
application. Type the RFA number on the label. Failure to use this
label could result in delayed processing of the application such that it
may not reach the review committee in time for review. In addition, the
RFA title and number must be typed on line 2 of the face page of the
application form and the YES box must be marked. The RFA label is also
available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/label-bk.pdf.
SENDING AN APPLICATION TO NIH: Submit a signed, typewritten original of
the application, including the Checklist, and five signed photocopies, in
one package to:
CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC REVIEW
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
6701 ROCKLEDGE DRIVE
ROOM 1040 – MSC 7710
BETHESDA, MD 20892-7710
BETHESDA, MD 20817 (for express/courier service)
Do not send applications for different instruments in the same package.
APPLICATION PROCESSING: Applications must be received on or before the
application receipt date listed in the heading of this RFA. If an
application is received after that date, it will be returned to the
applicant without review.
Although there is no immediate acknowledgement of the receipt of an
application, applicants are generally notified of the review and funding
assignment within 8 weeks.
The Center for Scientific Review (CSR) will not accept any application in
response to this RFA that is essentially the same as one currently
pending initial review, unless the applicant withdraws the pending
application. This does not preclude the submission of substantial
revisions of applications already reviewed, but such applications must
include the Introduction addressing the previous critique.
PEER REVIEW PROCESS
Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed for completeness by the CSR
and responsiveness by the NCRR. Incomplete and/or non-responsive
applications will be returned to the applicant without further
consideration.
Applications that are complete and responsive to the RFA will be
evaluated for scientific and technical merit by specially convened
initial review groups of the CSR in accordance with the review criteria
stated below. As part of the initial merit review, all applications
will:
o Receive a written critique
o Undergo a process in which only those applications deemed to have the
highest scientific priority will be discussed, assigned a priority
score and receive a second level of review by the National Advisory
Research Resources Council (NARRC)
REVIEW CRITERIA
o Justification of Need:
Is the need for the instrument clearly and adequately justified? Is the
equipment essential and appropriate? Will the instrument requested have
a significant impact on biomedical/behavorial research and contribute to
the advancement of human health?
o Technical Expertise:
Does the institution have the high-level technical expertise and access
to the necessary infrastructure to make effective use of the requested
equipment? How well qualified are the participating investigators to
operate and maintain the instrument, conduct the projects, and evaluate
the research results? Are there collaborations in place between
disciplinary and interdisciplinary scientists?
o Research Projects:
Will research with the requested instrument advance the knowledge and
understanding of the proposed projects? Will the results be disseminated
broadly to enhance scientific and technological understanding? Are there
appropriate plans in place for record keeping and bioinformatics?
o Institutional Commitment:
What is the evidence of institutional commitment to support the
instrument? Is institutional infrastructure (technical support, space,
environment and utilities) available to support the instrument? Is there
an institutional track record for making technology available?
o Administration:
Is the plan for the management and maintenance of the requested
instrument appropriate? Are there plans for maximizing the effectiveness
of the investment in instrumentation? Is the membership of the advisory
committee broadly based to oversee the use of the instrument for a wide
range of biomedical investigators? How will research time be allocated
among the projects?
o Financial Plan:
Is the financial plan for fully funding the purchase and long-term
operation and maintenance of the instrument reasonable? Is there
appropriate documentation (letters from institutional officials)?
advisory committee for oversight of the instrument including sharing
arrangements.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
BUDGET: The reasonableness of the proposed budget and the requested
period of support in relation to the proposed research.
RECEIPT AND REVIEW SCHEDULE
Letter of Intent Receipt Date: August 15, 2003
Application Receipt Date: September 19, 2003
Peer Review Date: February/March 2004
Council Review: May 2004
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: September 2004
AWARD CRITERIA
In making funding decisions, the NCRR will give consideration to:
o Scientific merit (as determined by peer review)
o Availability of funds
o Programmatic priorities
REQUIRED FEDERAL CITIATIONS
URLs IN NIH GRANT APPLICATIONS OR APPENDICIES: All applications and
proposals for NIH funding must be self-contained within specified page
limitations. Unless otherwise specified in all NIH solicitation,
Internet address (URLs) should not be used to provide information
necessary to the review because reviewers are under no obligation to view
the Internet sites. Furthermore, we caution reviewers that their
anonymity may be compromised when they directly access an Internet site.
HEALTHY PEOPLE 2010: The Public Health Service (PHS) is committed to
achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of
"Health People 2010'" a PHS-led national activity for setting priority
areas. This RFA is related to one or more of the priority areas.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of "Healthy People 2010" at
http://www.health.gov/healthypeople.
AUTHORITY AND REGUALATIONS: This program is described in the Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance NO.93.389, Biomedical Technology. Awards
will be made under authorization of the Public Health Service Act, Title
IV, Part A (Public Law 78-410, as amended by Public Law 99-158, 42 USC
241 and 285) and administered under NIH grants policies and Federal
Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45 CFR Part 74. This program is not
subject to the intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order
12372 or Health Systems Agency Review.
The DHHS strongly encourages all grant and contract recipients to provide
a smoke-free workplace and promote the non-use of all tobacco products.
In addition, Public Law 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits
smoking in certain facilities (or in some cases, any portion of a
facility) in which regular or routine education, library, daycare, health
care or early childhood development services are provided to children.
This is consistent with the DHHS mission to protect and advance the
physical and mental health of the American people.